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Karen Buchanan, 49
Karen Buchanan, 49, of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 20, 2011, due to multiple sclerosis.
She was born Oct. 23, 1961, in Philadelphia, where she was raised and where she graduated from high school and attended trade school.
Karen married
Fred Buchanan in 1995 in Kalispell.
She had worked at Syke’s Restaurant, the Outlaw Inn as a banquet supervisor, Rosauers bakery and Master Monograms.
Karen was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Boyle.
She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Fred Buchanan of Kalispell; her mother, Mary Boyle of Philadelphia; sons, Jason, Dan and Joe, all of Kalispell; stepdaughter, Tina, of Butte; stepdaughter Hannah, and stepson Tyler, both of Lawton, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; and a niece, Shannon Boyle, of Philadelphia.
A memorial service for Karen will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at the Kalispell VFW.
The family suggests memorials to multiple sclerosis research.
Don Caron, 86
Don Caron passed away at his home in Ferndale on Jan. 14, 2011.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two sons, David and Donald; three daughters, Bernadette, Teresa and Kateri; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry.
He loved his family, his trees, his garden, Christmas, and climbing in Glacier Park.
A funeral Mass will be offered at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20, at St. Matthew’s Church in Kalispell.
The family requests donations to Hospice in lieu of flowers or other memorial gifts.
Douglas F. Wise, 93
Douglas F. Wise, 93, passed away on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.
He was born Aug. 19, 1917, to George and Mary Wise in Kalispell. He attended school at Elrod Elementary and Central Junior High School. Doug left school in the eighth grade to go work in the woods to help support the family. As a teen, he started working for Cecil Sykes at the slaughterhouse and eventually learned to buy and sell cattle from his father. He then worked for Cecil Sykes in the meat market. Doug purchased the market in 1945 and then the grocery business in 1947. He met and married
Julia “Judy” Mae Potts on Dec. 19, 1952 in Missoula. He owned and operated Sykes' for 64 years. Doug was a member of the Eagles and the Elks. He loved horses, cattle buying and taking care of the elderly.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Wise; son, Douglas Wise Jr.; son, Terry Wise; daughter, Nola Wise; sisters, Bud Willey, Rachel Mitton, Mae Lester, and Mary Roach Wise; and brothers, Gene “Buzzy” Wise and Wallace Wise.
He is survived by his wife, Julia “Judy” Mae Wise; son, David Wise and Doris of Vaughn; daughter, Diana Stoller and Walt of Somers; daughter, Cindy Dodson and Steve of Las Vegas; daughter, Mary Janice Inman and Mike of Spokane; son, Tim Wise and Dodie of Kalispell; son, Randy Wise and Debi of Kalispell; daughter, Hilda Wise; sisters, Lorraine Schultz and Gladys Kikendahl of Kalispell; 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at the Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Dr., in Kalispell. Interment will follow at C. E. Conrad Memorial cemetery. An open house in Doug’s honor will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Sykes’ Restaurant in Kalispell. A visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made in Doug's name to the “Sykes’ Free Thanksgiving Dinner Fund” at Valley Bank, The Samaritan House, Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Doug's family.
George L. Hilling, 61
George L. Hilling, of Bigfork passed on Jan. 7, 2011, while on the job in Carlin, Nev., working for Gold Canyon Mining.
George was born Sept. 18, 1949, in Great Falls, to John "Jack" and Nina "Lou" Hilling. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1967. After graduation, at age 17, George enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam.
George met his future wife, Shelley Roth, at the Bar Stool Ski Races in Martin City in January of 1982. They were later married
on Jan. 21, 1987, at the Candlelight Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.
George was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 400 and the Labors Local 1686 unions. Like his father, he traveled throughout Montana working heavy highway construction for most of his life.
George was an avid sports fan in general and a fan of the Griz, Seahawks and Bigfork sports in particular.
He is survived by wife, Shelley; sons, Josh, 22, Dillon, 15, and Sam, 13. He is also survived by sister, Jackie Lewis, of Missoula; mother-in-law, Vera Roth, of Bigfork; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork. A reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bigfork Booster Club, P.O. Box 204, Bigfork; or to the Community United Methodist Church, 750 Electric Avenue in Bigfork.
Hannah Joy Rodgers, 4 months
Hannah Joy Rodgers, 4 months old, of Newark, Del., “went from her parents arms into the arms of Jesus” on Thursday, Jan, 13, 2011.
Sweet Hannah was born on a beautiful fall day, Sept. 22, 2010. She fought so hard during her 4 months on this earth surprising the doctors, nurses and her family all along the way. In her 4 months she miraculously pulled through five major surgeries, including open-heart.
She was an amazing fighter, a true little Viking girl, making her parents incredibly proud. Hannah’s life has impacted thousands of lives, especially her family and all of those who cared for her — she certainly taught everyone what it meant to be strong. She was an amazing blessing to all who knew her, and will never be forgotten.
Hannah is survived by her parents, Joseph A. and Erika L. Rodgers; brother, Micah Joseph Rodgers; paternal grandparents, Margaret Rodgers; maternal grandparents, Bill and Martha Oursland; and maternal great-grandparents, David and Lois Phillips.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, John E. Rodgers.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Love of Christ Church, 2157 Bear Corbitt Road, Bear, DE 19701, followed by a service in celebration of Hannah’s life at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Hickory Grove cemetery in Port Penn.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to A. I. DuPont Hospital, Cardiac Unit, Nemours Fund for Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.
John Nelson, 74 and Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Nelson, 72
Their love story began on July 7, 1957, when Johnny Nelson married
his high school sweetheart, Jackie Boyce, in Missoula. They were married
for 53 years when they passed away together on Jan. 12, 2011, in a fire that destroyed their family home.
John Nelson was born on March 10, 1936, in Polson. He attended high school at Missoula County High School and graduated in 1954.
John was a logging contractor from the time he graduated high school until 2002. Soon after retirement, John went to work for Medical Messengers and developed many caring relationships with the hundreds of people working at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and affiliate locations.
John was very involved in Faith Lutheran Church serving in many different capacities. John volunteered his time teaching cribbage to area schools, mentoring children as they refined their math skills. He was our self-appointed world champion crib master!
When John was younger, he organized games with the neighbor kids, keeping the kids active acting as the neighborhood coach. John was very supportive of his kids and grandkids in every athletic event from soccer, football, wrestling, basketball, baseball and track.
He was compassionate and a friend to all. John always saw the best and brought out the best in everybody. John enjoyed fishing, hunting and all aspects of the outdoors and felt most at home “in the woods.” He was an amazing father and grandfather and will be sorely missed.
Jackie Boyce was born on Nov. 24, 1938, in Missoula. Jackie attended Missoula County High School and graduated in 1957.
Jackie was the impetus behind Medical Messengers Courier, and also developed wonderful relationships in the medical industry. She provided services to the medical community from 1988 to 1995.
Jackie was also involved in many capacities at Faith Lutheran Church. She was an advocate for children and families.
Jackie was a nurturing mother to all and adored her husband. She created a warm and happy home for everyone. The kids who entered her home adopted her as their Grandma Jackie. She was artistic, creative, and loved to cook. Jackie's specialty was the Sunshine Cake that she made for all the birthdays.
Jackie was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Life will not be the same for all of us that loved Jackie. We'll miss her love and support, and the wonderful hugs that she gave to all.
John and Jackie are survived by their children, Joleen and Clifford McCarley, Kelly and Mikal Thompson, Don Nelson, and Justin and Betsy Nelson. Grandchildren are Clifford McCarley, Jacob and Tiffany Thompson, Luke and Stephanie Thompson, Jonathan, Josiah and Jordan Nelson, and Julia and Isaiah Nelson. Their four great-grandchildren are, Korbyn, Hannah, Keigan and Selah.
A celebration of John and Jackie's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, at Easthaven Baptist Church.
Family condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 10394, Kalispell, MT 59904.
Bruce Lee Jungnitsch, 53
Bruce Lee Jungnitsch worked hard and played harder. He left this world on Jan. 8, 2011, at the age of 53, snowmobiling with his best friends and enjoying life to the fullest.
Bruce was born in Saginaw, Mich., on Feb. 13, 1957, to Bill and Jane Jungnitsch. From his father he learned his trade as a carpenter in addition to his lifelong passion for snowmobiling. He grew up in a close-knit family who spent many weekends water-skiing and snowmobiling at their cabin on Houghton Lake.
After graduation from high school, he married
his friend and lifelong love, Penny Simons, on May 6, 1978. They enjoyed 32 years of marriage. Side by side they ran a construction business and raised two sons, Luke and Aaron, of whom he was extremely proud.
In 1992, they decided to realize their dream of living in the mountains and left Michigan for the forests, lakes and peaks of Northwest Montana. During his 18 years in Montana, Bruce enjoyed crafting homes and fulfilling his love for the outdoors. He skimmed across Hungry Horse Reservoir on one ski to show the young guys “how it's done.” He cruised the roads of Glacier Park on his Harley to cool off after a long day of work. He hunted the elusive monster mule deer every fall to win the big buck contest. Astride his snowmobile, he led his friends into the mountains to ride the slopes and look down from the ridges onto the world below. As a true family man, Bruce enjoyed many of these activities right along with his wife and sons.
Many of Bruce's customers became close friends. He had a well-deserved reputation for his skills, honesty and work ethic that earned him respect and lasting relationships with the people whose lives he touched. He was a friend who was never far away and always ready to lend a hand.
And then there was his sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity to put it to use, and he could brighten any situation with his wit. He loved to torment his close friends with light-hearted competition.
Bruce was predeceased by his father, Bill Jungnitsch.
Along with his wife and sons, he is survived by his mother, Jane Jungnitsch; his brother, Mark Jungnitsch, and his wife, Ann; his brother, Paul Jungnitsch, and his wife, Becky; his sister, Karen Slodowski, and her husband, Tom; his sister, Lisa Reed, and her husband, Roger; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of Michigan.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Bruce's life will be held this summer at a date and time to be announced later.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.
Colleen Ruth Olson Pepe, 78
Colleen Ruth Olson Pepe, 78, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, at North Valley Hospital.
Colleen was born at home in Kalispell on July 29, 1932, to Ralph and Velma Olson. She loved to tell how hot the day was, but that her dad put her in a little box in the oven to keep her warm. As an only child, she was the “apple” of her parents’ eye and learned the best qualities from each of them.
Colleen attended Evergreen School and Flathead County High School, and kept her teachers “hopping” with her antics and stories.
Colleen loved to bowl, and during a local bowling tournament in January of 1949 she met an equally young bowler who had just moved to Kalispell from Anaconda as an assistant manager of the Woolworth store. She married
Tony Pepe on Aug. 4, 1949, and they shared 61 years together. They have three children, Valli, Melanie and Ralph.
Colleen was a homemaker who combined the usual chores of motherhood in the 1950s with an unusual sense of creativity and adventure. She was a gifted pianist, and not only taught piano for many years, accompanied and directed church choirs, but she also directed community theater events in Evergreen. Her variety shows included sketches from musicals such as “South Pacific, ” and “Annie Get Your Gun, ” and TV shows such as “Laugh-In” and “The Adams Family.”
She had to learn to cook “Italian, ” which was not easy for a girl whose name was Olson. Cooking lessons from her mother-in-law were successful, so the family could enjoy a great marinara along with their lefse.
Colleen was also a true tomboy who loved to ride horses, drive tractors, hunt and fish. Hunting and fishing stories could fill more than one book and family times at Ashley Lake which began in the ’50s are still going strong today.
Colleen was a longtime member of Calvary Lutheran Church and shared her musical talents there for over 40 years. She always loved working with children and was involved in her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities throughout the years.
She had a lifelong passion for gardening, and loved to get her hands in the dirt. She handed this love and knowledge to her family. She loved her hummingbirds and all of the wildlife which visited her yard; excluding any deer who ate her tulips.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Tony, of Kalispell; her children, Valli and Richard Ostrem of Kalispell, Melanie and Alex Parkhurst of Columbia Falls, and Ralph and Holly Pepe of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren, Megan Pepe and Joel Welle of Kalispell, Melissa and Shay Evanoff of Kalispell, Lindsy and David Baird of Boise, Chris Ostrem of Kalispell, and Harry Ostrem of Los Angeles; and great-grandchildren, Ward, Walker, Luca, Coleman and Cayden.
Private family services are being held for Colleen.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Colleen’s name are suggested to the American Heart Association, 700 South Ave. West, Ste. D, Missoula, MT 59801.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Colleen’s family.
Jaimi Lynn Hurlbert, 35
Jaimi Lynn Hurlbert, 35, passed away Dec. 25, 2010, in Kalispell.
She was born Jan. 31, 1975, in Libby. She spent most of her childhood in Las Vegas, but returned to Montana in 1995, where she enjoyed camping, rafting and hiking in the outdoors.
Jaimi loved spending time with her children, family and many friends, lucky for them. She had a smile as big as her heart.
She was joined in death by her angel daughter, Alyssa Burkett.
She was preceded in death by several grandparents.
Jaimi is survived by her children, Damian Hurlbert and Haley Hurlbert; parents, Butch Hurlbert and Dawn Hurlbert; siblings, Jeremy Cane and Jennifer Hurlbert; and extensive aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, at the Christian Center, Kalispell. Interment will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens, Kalispell.
Memorial contributions may be made on Jaimi’s behalf to the Jaimi Hurlbert and Alyssa Burkett Memorial Fund at Three Rivers Bank.
Johnson–Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.
